Officials: Cambridge man tries jailbreaks in 2 counties

ZANESVILLE – Budd Cobb was taken into custody in mid-December for robbery, aggravated trafficking in drugs and tampering with evidence.

Since then, he allegedly started a fire inside the Guernsey County Jail, attempted an escape from the Muskingum County Jail, successfully broken out of his holding cell at the Cambridge facility, and assaulted a jail employee.

Cobb, 35, pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court to a charge of escape, a second-degree felony, with a repeat violent offender specification. He faces identical charges in Guernsey County. Each case carries a potential 18-year prison sentence.

The Cambridge native was transferred out of the Guernsey County Jail on Jan. 11 after he allegedly started a fire to distract jail employees, Guernsey County Sheriff Michael McCauley said.

Less than a week later, while being detained at the Muskingum County Jail, Cobb climbed into the ceiling tiles and attempted to make his escape by way of the visitation area, Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said. Deputies arrested Cobb and charged him with escape.

"He never got out, but there was evidence he'd attempted to," said Bob Smith, assistant Muskingum County prosecutor. "The statute reads that whether it's a breakout or an attempt, it's the same charge."

Upon his return to the Guernsey County Jail, Cobb was placed in solitary confinement because of his high-risk status. Despite the increased security, Cobb broke free of his cell at 8:30 a.m. May 24, exited the facility, and fled on foot toward Woodlawn Avenue.

The escapee was apprehended at 11:30 p.m. that day in a wooded area about 1.5 miles away from the jail, Guernsey County Sheriff's Office records show. As deputies were attempting to place the recently captured inmate back in his cell, Cobb allegedly attacked one of the officers.

McCauley would not offer details on the methods of Cobb's escape, but he said additional precautions have been taken to ensure the prisoner's security.

The trial for the Guernsey County Jail arson and escape has been scheduled for Sept. 2. The Muskingum County trial date has not been set.

Cobb also has been indicted on several charges in connection to a Dec. 13 robbery in Cambridge. He faces more than 20 years in that case.

Cobb has been convicted in 11 felony cases since turning 18. Many involve multiple felonies such as felonious assault, robbery, theft, trafficking in crack cocaine, possession, having a weapon under disability and tampering with evidence.